Suddenly I feel a great deal of sympathy for the Sorry Trinity

[fpb]

Yes, Harris, Hitchens and Dawkins. Have a look at this article and tell me whether, apart from the acceptable closing paragraph, it does not contain the worst arguments against atheistic politicians you ever read: http://www.townhall.com/Columnists/MichaelMedved/2008/04/09/americans_are_right_to_resist_an_atheist_as_president. Personally, I cannot think of a reason why an atheist should not be a national leader, except for the purely practical one that almost every atheist I meet is made in the image and likeness of the Sorry Trinity - obsessional, ignorant and intolerant. But unless you can write better arguments than Medved manages, then - remember the proverb? Better shut up and look like a fool than open your mouth and remove all doubt.

Comments

Obsessional, ignorant and intolerant, me?

[stigandnasty919.livejournal.com]

I have to say that your description of most atheists you know as being obsessional, ignorant and intolerant, is one that I might apply to many, but by no means all, religious people that I know.

But then it may be that atheists of your acquaintance may be something of a self-selecting sample. Such is the (I am searching for the right word here Fabio) forthrightness with which you put forward your point of view that it would be a brave atheist who would put his head over the parapet when you are in full flight. You never know, among your friends may be lurking secret non-believers.

On the article, it is interesting to see how closely the article mirrors the outrageous arguments against having a catholic as prime minister in the UK, right down to the invention of a Church of America for the president to preside over. I wonder did Kennedy suffer the same sort of thing before he became president.

On a different note, your blog is fast becoming the highlight of tea break and lunchtime in the office. Always something interesting to think about. Having spent the morning examining a "machine learning alternative to regression analysis' this was a very welcome change of pace!

Re: Obsessional, ignorant and intolerant, me?

[curia-regis.livejournal.com]

I'm an atheist (quite an outspoken one, if I say so myself) and I'm on his flist! :)

Re: Obsessional, ignorant and intolerant, me?

[fpb.livejournal.com]

And she practically elbowed her way on it.

Re: Obsessional, ignorant and intolerant, me?

[curia-regis.livejournal.com]

I hardly think a comment along the lines of 'well I'd probably be a lot nicer if I was on your flist, because if I'm not, I'm far more likely to just comment on the controversial posts' counts as elbowing...

See, my definition of elbowing is HEY ADD ME OR SUFFER

Re: Obsessional, ignorant and intolerant, me?

[fpb.livejournal.com]

Making your way on it twice counts as elbowing in my view. But I mean it in a nice way and take it as a compliment.

Re: Obsessional, ignorant and intolerant, me?

[curia-regis.livejournal.com]

I still don't see it as elbowing. See, I've told some people to FRIEND ME OR ELSE. Of course, I meant it as a joke, but still. :p

I think you need to use emoticons or something. I really couldn't tell that it was meant nicely...

Re: Obsessional, ignorant and intolerant, me?

[fpb.livejournal.com]

Sorry.
I think I could find some sociological material that could perhaps help with your thesis, but I would have to see if I still have it first.

Re: Obsessional, ignorant and intolerant, me?

[curia-regis.livejournal.com]

I'd be really grateful if you had anything. I'm a bit scared that the only evidence I'll have supporting the hypothesis will be Engels (who some claim had a different definition of monogamy) and McMurty (who is pretty extremist in some of his views). I mean, obviously I can conclude things by myself, but I'd like a bit more of a literature review for that side of the matter!

I suspect I'll end up refuting my hypothesis.

Re: Obsessional, ignorant and intolerant, me?

[cerebresque.livejournal.com]

I make no secret of my atheism, but then, I don't feel any great urge to paint theists as THE CRAZY EVIL PEOPLE either.